This is the first and, sure to be, most boring post concerning my trip to the Middle East this summer. Departing on June 8th, I'll arrive in Amman, Jordan on June 9th where I will meet up with my fellow classmates and travel by bus to Yarmouk University in Irbid, a smaller town in the northern part of the country. Nine other students and I from Ole Miss will be studying Arabic as part of the recently established Intensive Language Program housed within the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies. My name in Arabic is Iskander, short for Alexander; hence, the blog title. All of my posts will be in English, but I'll try and throw in some Arabic words and phrases every now and then to give you all a feel for the beauty of the language.
So far, my preparation for the trip has been limited but I'm hoping to get motivated in the days to come. This is such a unique opportunity and I want as many people to hear about my experiences in the Middle East as possible so be sure and spread the word about my blog and look for a post when I arrive.
سلام (Salaam) = Peace!
-Iskander
